National Priorities Project
The National Priorities Project works to ensure that our federal resources prioritize peace, shared prosperity, and economic prosperity for all.
The United States federal budget is a powerful resource, accounting for about a fifth of the U.S. economy. We can harness that power to make our lives better, to create a more just and humane society, to end poverty, address the climate crisis, and enhance security and quality of life. On the other hand, that power can be used to perpetuate destructive cycles of war, militarism, violence and oppression that go back to our nation’s founding and before.
NPP’s research sheds light on the militarization of the federal budget and on critical opportunities for reinvestment. NPP’s regular reports include an annual tax receipt, an interactive budget priorities calculator, and analyses of the president’s budget and annual appropriations.
Latest Work
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Reports
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Peace & Foreign Policy
What Did the U.S. Attack on Venezuela Cost?
The full operation cost at least $4.7 billion — a figure that may continue to rise.
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Economic Justice, Peace & Foreign Policy
Tax Day 2026: The Average Taxpayer Paid $4,049 for War and Weapons
Wars don't just cost taxpayers at the pump. Here's what the average taxpayer spent for different priorities in 2025.
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Economic Justice, Peace & Foreign Policy
Trump’s Budget Policies Make the Poor Poorer to Pay for War and Help the Rich
The theme of this administration's budget priorities: taking from the poor to enrich the wealthy and inflict violence at home and abroad.
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Peace & Foreign Policy
The IPS Iran Reader
A one-stop guide to IPS work on the crisis in Iran and the wider Middle East. Updated periodically.
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Peace & Foreign Policy
What You Need to Know About the U.S. Attack on Venezuela
Was it about oil? Will it stop the flow of drugs? What did it cost? IPS experts answer these questions and more.
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Economic Justice, Peace & Foreign Policy
Trading Life for Death: What the Reconciliation Bill Puts at Stake in Your State
Militarized spending hikes must be prevented. Basic needs must be protected.
National Priorities Project in the news
Costs of Trump's War with Iran
Warren Slams Trump for Iran War Costing ‘American Taxpayers $11,500 Per Second’
Killing Kids in Iran While Kids in the U.S. Go Hungry
Here's how much the war with Iran is expected to cost every day
The Costs of the War With Iran Will Mount For Decades
Public Rage Against ICE Sends Democrats Scrambling for a Response
Help IPS turn progressive policy ideas into action
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